A Twist on the Christmas Advent Calendar

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

“Advent” simply means coming – as in Christ is coming, and for us now, He has arrived. This is referring to His birth in history and in humanity. It means the welcoming or the arrival of a special king and for us; it is our King of kings. This is what the Old Testament prophecies foretold concerning Jesus’ Incarnation, the Word made flesh for our hope and Atonement that brought us our deliverance. Advent represents our expectation, anticipation, and preparation for who Christ is and what He has done for us. He arrived into the world as a human being, being fully God and fully man. He came to identify as one of us, as the Son of Man, as a baby born in a manger. He came for us, He came for you and He comes into our lives and into our hearts. He is coming again in great power and glory to bring His Kingdom into fulfillment.

As my boys were growing, we fell to the proverbial tradition of the Advent Calendar in the past. It was exciting to see their eyes brighten as they gingerly peeked to see what was hidden behind each countdown door. Was it a toy? A treat? Was it something that glorified God? There has to be some way we can take this concept and have it be a way to bless others rather than ourselves. This year, we have been so blessed by the Lord in so many, many ways, all of which, to Him be the glory! For my family however, this year, we wanted to reciprocate and bless others with what we’ve been blessed with. At the prompting of Shelly Greenwood, who gave me the idea for this concept I sought to create a different type of Advent Calendar. I know, the concept may not be original but is definitely a better take on the standard Advent Calendar that my boys grew up with in the past. The Calendar was set up for my family to be able to take a Daily Devotional that we could discuss and study, as well as put feet to our faith with others whom we encounter in our lives, by performing Thoughtful Acts of Christmas Kindness (T.A.C.K.). Our desire was to grow deeper in our gratitude for the greatest gift we all could ever receive, our Savior Jesus Christ, at the same time be a light for the Lord by sharing His love for us through these “aTACKs”

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

WE are now, during this Christmas Season, on our venture to “a T.A.C.K” .those in our community, church and families. WE invite you to join us in this challenge, and be aware; you might be the next one “a T.A.C.K. ed”